Now with the internet being found in every walks of life, people feel more connected to their favourite footballers than ever. Especially through Instagram, fans can have access to their beloved footballer’s day-to-day life. There is also a growing notion that the number of followers on Instagram would decide a person’s popularity, not only for footballers. Here are the ten footballers who have racked up the most followers on Instagram.
10. Gareth Bale (44 million)
Gareth Bale’s playing career might have taken a downward spiral in recent years, but he remains a popular figure. Flaunting a top knot whenever he is on the pitch, the Welsh winger was highly loved by the fans when he played a key role behind Real Madrid’s domination in the Champions League.
9. Sergio Ramos (46 million)
Next up is Sergio Ramos, Bale’s former Real Madrid teammate. Ramos established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation during his illustrious career at Bernabeu – which came to an end in the summer – and the Spanish national team. The current PSG centre-back is also a popular figure across the world.
8. Paul Pogba (46 million)
Pogba’s flamboyance with the ball at his feet and the ever-changing hair makeovers have garnered a lot of fans around the world. The Manchester United midfielder’s stock has also skyrocketed ever since winning the World Cup with France.
7. James Rodriguez (47 million)
James Rodriguez announced himself to the world after his stellar campaign in the World Cup 2014 with the Colombian national team. His popularity also increased after he joined Real Madrid after the World Cup. However, his playing career has taken a hit in recent years and he recently completed his transfer from Everton to Qatari club Al Rayyan.
6. Marcelo (48 million)
Marcelo’s best years might be behind him but he was arguably one of the best full-backs of the last decade. His afro hairstyle combined with the Brazilian flair has accumulated millions of fans over the course.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (49 million)
Top Knots, inspiring tattoos and above all, the never say die attitude even in the twilight of his career. This is what makes Zlatan Ibrahimovic a special player. The AC Milan star, who recently turned 40, continues to amaze the fans as he did at the start of his career.
4. Kylian Mbappe (54 million)
Kylian Mbappe is cited as one of the best players in the world at the moment. From moving to PSG in a record move to winning the World Cup in 2018, no player could have had such a rise to stardom in quick time. The 23-year-old has already bagged a plethora of trophies under his belt and the only thing missing is the Champions League.
3. Neymar (154 million)
Neymar’s name must be on the lips of every budding footballer. The Brazilian’s unworldly skills on the football pitch, persona and luxurious lifestyle always make the growing talents want to look up to him.
2. Lionel Messi (267 million)
Although Lionel Messi is sort of a shy person and doesn’t spend much time on Instagram like other footballers, he still has 267 followers. We recently heard about the impact of Messi’s free transfer to PSG, as the club’s official page on Instagram witnessed a phenomenal increase and so was the shirt sales.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (350 million)
One might wonder how Cristiano Ronaldo is producing his best even at 36 years of age. Besides, he remains an influential figure both on and off the pitch, which is evident through his fan following on Instagram. Perhaps, he is the only athlete in the world to rack up more than 300 followers on Instagram.
